British defence dep chief arrives Maiduguri for security talks

The United Kingdom’s Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Sir Charlie Collins, has arrived in Maiduguri, Borno State, for a high-level assessment of bilateral defence cooperation between the UK and Nigeria.

The British Defence Staff West Africa announced the visit in a post on its official X account on Tuesday, describing it as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen military collaboration and support Nigeria’s security initiatives.

According to the post, the visit highlights the UK’s continued commitment to supporting Nigeria-led efforts aimed at enhancing security and promoting regional stability in West Africa amid persistent threats posed by terrorism and insurgency.

“Welcome to Nigeria, Lt Gen Sir Charlie Collins KBE DSO, UK Deputy CDS (MSO).

“In Maiduguri with @HQNigerianArmy colleagues, seeing UK-Nigeria defence cooperation first-hand and supporting Nigeria-led efforts to strengthen security and regional stability,” the statement read.

Images released from the visit showed Lieutenant General Collins being received with a military guard of honour, as well as ceremonial handshakes and plaque presentations involving British and Nigerian military officers.

The visit comes as Nigeria intensifies transnational partnerships in its efforts to combat terrorism and banditry, particularly in the northern region, where security challenges remain a major concern.